World Cup 2023: Champions England rebound with 137-run thrashing of Bangladesh

England responded to defeat in their World Cup opener by comprehensively beating Bangladesh by 137 runs in Dharamsala.

After last week’s heavy nine-wicket loss to New Zealand, Dawid Malan’s superb 140 from 107 balls formed the basis of a much-improved England’s 364-9.

Malan put on 115 for the first wicket with Jonny Bairstow and 151 from just 117 balls with Joe Root, who made a typically composed 82 from 68.

Root and Malan took the score to 266-1 in the 38^th over, but the loss of eight wickets for 96 runs meant England failed to take full advantage.

Their score still proved plenty, however, with seamer Reece Topley, brought in to replace spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, bowling a fine new-ball spell.

He took two wickets in as many balls in the second over and bowled Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan for one in the sixth.

Liton Das held firm with 76 and Mushfiqur Rahim made 51, but the required run-rate was always climbing.

Topley returned to dismiss Mushfiqur – the left-armer finished with figures of 4-43 – and Bangladesh slowly slid to 227 all out in 48.2 overs.

The win means England move to Delhi, where they play Afghanistan on Sunday, with momentum and confidence boosted.

Perhaps crucially, their net run-rate is also significantly boosted. (BBC Sport)